WASHINGTON (AP) - Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler is responding to accounts from Maryland State Police that he regularly ordered state troopers to drive him with lights and sirens to routine appointments.

Documents obtained by The Washington Post show Gansler directed troopers to speed, run red lights and bypass traffic jams while driving him. In one case, police said Gansler insisted on driving himself, running red lights with sirens blaring.

Police Lt. Charles Ardolini wrote in 2011 that the problem existed for five years and "occurs on a daily basis."

Gansler is now a Democratic candidate for governor.

Gansler's campaign issued a response Sunday. Gansler apologized if his "backseat driving" made troopers uncomfortable. But the campaign says the matters were settled and are now being used as a political attack on Gansler.